Umbel Life

Umbel Life is a space where I’ll share ideas, experiences, and discoveries that go beyond the surface of garden design. For me, gardens are not only about creating beautiful spaces but also about connecting with plants in meaningful ways — whether that’s learning their traditional uses, exploring their cultural significance, or finding new ways to integrate them into modern design.

Here, you’ll find reflections on courses I’ve attended, insights into purposeful planting, and ways to weave knowledge of plants into gardens of every scale — from high-end designed landscapes to smaller, more naturalistic spaces. My aim is to bridge the gap between contemporary design and holistic horticulture, and to share my own ongoing journey of learning along the way, I hope that you find some inspiration along the way. Nartural garden 4 image

Plants with purpose – Using within design and lifestyle.

Recently, I joined Miriam Hicklin and the Radical Plant Folk in Totnes to learn about the traditional art of plant distillation. Using a copper still, we explored how plants can be gently transformed into hydrosols and essential oils — processes that capture not only their fragrance but also their character and benefits.

One of the plants we worked with was Artemisia (Mugwort), a herb with a long history of use. Distilled into a hydrosol, Mugwort carries a soft, herbaceous aroma and is thought to have calming and clarifying qualities. Traditionally, it has been associated with easing tension, supporting digestion, and even encouraging vivid dreams. In the garden, Mugwort offers striking silvery foliage and a natural resilience — bridging ornamental value with purposeful use.